NEWS OF THE WEEK
THE new Parliament met on Thursday, and at once pro- ceeded to re-elect Mr. Peel as Speaker. Sir Matthew Rid- ley, in very cordial and well-chosen language, congratulated the House on the prospect of having a Speaker "so tried and so successful." Mr. Gladstone seconded the proposal, remarking on the new conditions of the Speakership, the very much greater responsibilities which are now laid upon him, and the extraordinary success of Mr. Peel in obtaining and retaining the confidence of all parties in the House. There being no sign of opposition, Mr. Peel was then conducted to the Chair by Sir M. Ridley and Mr. Gladstone ; and it was understood that he would yesterday receive the approval of the Crown, when the swearing-in of Members would begin, and would be concluded, it was hoped, in time to let the Queen's Speech be read on Monday, and the debate on the Address commenced. Mr. Asquith, Q.C., M.P. for East Fifeshire, has been chosen to move the vote of want of confidence on behalf of the Oppo- sition. It seems to be understood that Mr. Courtney will not be proposed by the new Government as Chairman of Com- mittees, a decision,—if it be a decision,—at which, as Unionists, we rejoice, as it will give us the help of a singularly able debater in Committee whom we could not otherwise have secured.
